Spartanburg Walmart parking lot shooting leaves woman wounded as suspect arrested after multistate police pursuit

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — A violent incident unfolded Tuesday evening in the parking lot of the Walmart on Dorman Centre Drive, where authorities say a woman was shot multiple times before the suspect fled and was later captured in another state. The shooting occurred at around 7:30 p.m. on September 9, 2025, and has left the community shaken as details continue to emerge.

According to Spartanburg Police Department officials, the suspect allegedly opened fire on his ex-girlfriend as she drove through the crowded parking area. Initial reports indicate that the woman was struck by the first round of shots but managed to steer her vehicle toward the front of the store, where she hoped to find help from a nearby security officer stationed in a marked vehicle.

Investigators revealed that as the victim exited her car in an effort to reach safety, the suspect reportedly fired several more shots, striking her again before leaving the scene at high speed. Witnesses described the chaos as shoppers, workers, and passersby attempted to make sense of the sudden gunfire, with many rushing inside the store for cover.

The victim sustained injuries to her back and leg and was quickly transported to a nearby hospital by emergency medical crews. At this time, her exact condition has not been released publicly, but police confirmed she was receiving medical treatment and remains under close supervision by healthcare staff. Authorities have emphasized that no other shoppers or employees were injured during the violent encounter.

Law enforcement immediately launched a multistate search for the suspect, working with agencies outside South Carolina as intelligence suggested he was attempting to flee the region. Hours later, the man was located and arrested by Kentucky State Police, more than 300 miles away from Spartanburg. Authorities confirmed that he is now awaiting extradition back to South Carolina, where he will face multiple charges.

The charges against the suspect include attempted murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, domestic violence, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and breach of peace. Spartanburg investigators said that additional charges may be considered as they review evidence gathered from both South Carolina and Kentucky.

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Walmart shoppers described scenes of panic and disbelief. One witness said they heard “five loud gunshots” before seeing people scatter toward the store entrance. Officers secured the front of the Walmart with crime scene tape as forensic specialists and detectives carefully collected shell casings, surveillance footage, and other crucial evidence.

Police officials have not yet disclosed the motive behind the attack, but the history of the relationship between the suspect and victim remains a central part of the investigation. Authorities stated that while domestic disputes are a possible factor, further details will be confirmed once interviews and evidence processing are complete.

The Spartanburg Police Department is asking anyone with additional information regarding the incident to come forward. Residents can call investigators directly at 864-596-2065 or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. Officials stressed that community cooperation will be critical in ensuring justice for the victim and accountability for the suspect.

This violent episode has left many in Spartanburg unsettled, particularly as it occurred in such a public and heavily trafficked area. For now, the community waits for updates on the woman’s condition while law enforcement continues piecing together the full circumstances surrounding this shocking event.